David (Dave) Lee Braun

David (Dave) Lee Braun, 65, was the youngest of three children born to Aaron and Florence Braun. He was born October 26, 1949 and died at home in Ritzville on July 24, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Dave graduated from Ritzville High School in 1967, attended Big Bend Community College receiving his private pilot’s license; the first step into his goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Instead, he served in the Army as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot before returning home to Ritzville.

As a lifetime resident of Adams County, Dave loved farming and was awarded farmer of the year in 2008. He was a jack of all trades ad enjoyed working with his hands. Many examples of his handwork in wood, glass or metal can be seen in and around the yard at his home.

Dave was a voracious reader of history, reading as much as one book a day when time allowed. Dave and Carla traveled to many of the historical areas he read about and wanted to see. Dave loved to cook. His love of cooking showed in the meals he would prepare. Often you would find a new recipe he “just had to try” gracing the dinner table. I addition he cooked many several course dinners that were auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting local organizations.

Two things Dave collected and enjoyed were an extensive collection of cookbooks with recipes spanning over 100 years. Also a collection of John Wayne memorabilia including copies of every movie made by John Wayne. Dave was active in many community events doing whatever was needed to help.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Dale and his daughter, Angie. Dave is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carla Steinmetz Braun; his son, Dustan (Crystal) Braun of Spokane, four grandchildren: Aaron, Tyler, Sadie and Krista; one great granddaughter, McKenna and his sister, Kae (Harold) Koch of Chehalis.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A private interment will be held at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, July 31, at 2 p.m. at Zion Philadelphia UCC in Ritzville. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s memory to the Adams County Pet Rescue, PO Box 311, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.